Control or be controlled

Control or be controlled; make the right choice

I have been repeatedly been saying that the world is becoming a harder place to live. We have no escape.

We are not insulated from any of the global issues. From a local perspective, you have been hearing about a string unexpected economic and non-economic issues. If you are like most other people, you are probably spending more time worrying about the recent developments having a direct or indirect impact on your life.

You must be worried about the currency devaluation and its implications on your business, consequent inflationary issues, job security, escalation of energy cost, the Geneva issue, rising taxes, the future of your children, even the weather – it has been terrible, hasn’t it been?.

There are some things which we can control while others we clearly cannot.

Convert negative thoughts into positive thoughts- a key element you must practise when managing such uncertainty, Ambiguity and anxiety is to understand the issue in context and deciding if something can be done.

It’s inevitable that any issue regardless of whether they are related or otherwise, you tend to worry- that’s normal human behaviour. But, the important factor is that your life has to go on. You still need to achieve your goals in life - to do this you've got to navigate these challenges with a single focus in mind. So how can you do it? Correct understanding of the issue is vital to distinguish between what is impacting you and what is not – and decide what you can control and what you can’t.

The ability to turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts is a must to deal with any challenge. I know this idea sounds simple, but practising this technique is difficult.

When effectively practised, it can alleviate a great deal of unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have a fair share of our own personal problems and we end up spending a lot of time and energy to resolve them. The worst thing that can happen to us is to spend time and energy on issues which we cannot control. If you cannot control just be aware and align yourself - that is the most sensible thing to do.

Directing energy towards what you can control is easier said than done.

Our passion for our work makes it more difficult o worry selectively. Why? The more passionate you are, the more protective and perfection-driven you become.

Any concern becomes exaggerated just based on your optimistic vision being obstructed. Regardless of whether or not you have influence, you will want to tackle every problem as it emerges.

This tendency is dangerous. Your energy becomes fractured as you begin to be obsessed over details and situations that are beyond your control.

Ultimately, your ideas and plans suffer. It’s said that generally 90 percent of the things people worry about are beyond their control. You can do your own assessment and figure out your own percentage is. You may be surprised with your own realisation. The key to maintaining a positive attitude in life is to know the difference.

Positive self-talk is a good practice to have. How many times have you been stuck in traffic, being in queues at government institutions? You begin to feel angry, stressed and uncomfortably over anxious? Probably more times than you care to think about.

But you have to take control over some of these are things, so lighten up, take some deep breaths, and tell yourself, “I am in control over my feelings and I will not let this situation beat me down.

I am in charge of how I feel. I am calm and relaxed.”

This will take practice obviously, but once you start to get this, it will make a world of a difference.

When you think about how much damage these unnecessary, stressful situations harm our bodies, raise our blood pressure, increase frown winkles, ruin our day, it is not worth it, and it is a battle you want to take on with positive self-talk. Spend your thoughts on things you can control and entertain thoughts that bring a smile to your face, rather than an ugly frown!.